“Look at you,” his mom said, stepping back to study his face. “You look exhausted, honey.”
“I'm fine, Mom.” The automatic response came easily and with a smile. “Just ready for a break.”
She chatted while fixing him a sandwich, telling him the latest about his brother and sister. Jack listened and responded appropriately, but his mind kept drifting to the woman he hadn't seen since last spring. Rachel. God, he missed her. Missed her smile, her quiet strength, the way she made everything feel right even when the world was chaos.
After they'd started their time-out, he'd hated every second of it. But he'd stuck to it, giving them the space he'd thought they both needed. And he had to admit that the demands of the Academy were easier when he was able to study on the weekends, when he might have otherwise tried to go home to see her.
He'd searched her social media during late-night study sessions, seeing photos of her at ODU. Rachel laughing with Cindy. At football games. Looking happy and free and beautiful. But he wondered what she really felt since her eyes never seemed to sparkle in the photos. He never saw her out partying, but the pictures reminded him that he'd made the right choice in giving her freedom. She was thriving, but damn, he missed her.
They'd emailed back and forth, careful and friendly. Phone calls when they could, though those were rare given his schedule. Every conversation left him aching for more, but he'd held back. This was what they needed, he'd told himself. Time to grow separately so they could come back together stronger.
But he had no idea if she was dating anyone. Guilt swam through him at the thought. He and Melissa had become closer, and while they’d never shared more than a kiss, it was still hard to think of Rachel doing the same.
Christ, I’m a hypocrite!
Now, finally home, all he wanted was to see her.
“Rachel's doing well at ODU,” his mom said, as if reading his mind. “Shiloh says she loves her education classes.”
Jack's chest tightened. “That's good. She sounded happy the last time I talked to her.”
“Are you going to see her while you're home?”
“Yeah. We’ll meet tomorrow night at the American Legion party.” The event was held each year, and the families of AL and Auxiliary members would fill the room with laughter, good food, and fun. And hopefully a reunion with Rachel.
His mom smiled. “I’m sure she'll be excited to see you.”
Anxiety crept into his heart, and he hoped his mother was right.
The Baytown AL and Auxiliary Christmas party was in full swing by the time Jack arrived. The community center was decorated with lights and garland, and the crowd was a mix of locals he'd grown up with and newer residents who'd made the town home.
Jack scanned the room, seeing familiar faces and greeting old friends. Cindy was there with yet another boyfriend, this one lasting longer than her usual monthlong relationships, according to her brother. Trevor stood near the food table, talking with Jeremy, another friend Jack remembered from high school. He saw men in law enforcement who served with his dad, either in the small towns or the sheriff’s department, and their families. Many of the kids were now in high school, and he stopped to say hello to some of them.
But his gaze continuously roved over the crowd. Then he saw her. Rachel. She stood with her back to him, dark hair falling past her shoulders in soft waves. She wore a deep green dress that hugged curves he’d never forgotten, and when she turned to laugh at something Cindy said, Jack felt the air leave his lungs.
She was breathtaking.
As though she could feel the heat of his gaze, Rachel glanced across the room, and their eyes met. For a moment, neither of them moved. Then her face lit with a smile that made Jack's chest ache, and she started walking toward him.
Jack met her halfway, and then she was in his arms, and nothing else mattered. He held her tight, breathing in the familiar scent of her shampoo, feeling the steady beat of her heart against his chest.
“Hi,” Rachel said, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
“Hi.” Jack pulled back just enough to see her face. He hadn’t held her since last spring. “God, I missed you.”
“I missed you too.” Her eyes were bright with unshed tears. “So much.”
They stood there, drinking each other in, until someone jostled past them and broke the spell. Jack reluctantly released her but kept one hand linked with hers.
“You look amazing,” he said.
Rachel's cheeks flushed. “You too.”
There was no quiet corner to sit and talk privately, so they wandered around, greeting more friends.
In between, they tried to catch up, but underneath the words, tension simmered. Every time their hands brushed, Jack felt electricity shoot up his arm. Every time Rachel smiled, he wanted to kiss her. And from the way she kept looking at his mouth, he suspected she felt the same.
“Do you want to get out of here?” Jack asked finally, unable to take the crowd and noise any longer.
